ü From 7 May – 27 June 2024 (2-2.5 Hour Lectures, Tues/Thurs, 35 hours total)
ü Every Tuesday and Thursday at 1–3 p.m. Eastern Time (all sessions will be recorded and available for replay; course notes will be available for download)
ü Human Spaceflight Operations is the ONLY course of its kind on the subject of Space Operations. It is presented by a cadre of 15 space operations experts with vast experience who will share their knowledge and insights. Speakers include Flight Directors, Flight Controllers, Astronauts, and Mission Engineers, who have collectively published the AIAA Textbook with the same title as this course.
ü This course is ideal for anyone working in the space industry as part of a current or future national or international space program, private space enterprise, human, or robotic mission. The topics cover the primary technical disciplines related to spaceflight operations. In each case, the essential concepts and evolution of the systems and technology are discussed in some detail, but the focus is on how spaceflight operations are performed. Lessons learned are derived from incidents that occurred during actual space missions.
ü Includes all lecture notes as well as and eBook copy of the instructors’ textbook - Human Spaceflight Operations: Lessons Learned from 60 Years in Space (AIAA, 2021).
ü All students will receive an AIAA Certificate of Completion at the end of the course
OVERVIEWThis course aims to share the collective experience from over 60 years of human spaceflight operations. The experience and expertise of the many instructors is unmatched in this field. Their goal is to pass on their insight to the next generation of space engineers, designers, operators, and crew. The lessons learned are applicable to anyone working in the space industry. The course topics span the full range of operational disciplines involved in the planning and execution of human spaceflight. This includes all the typical mission control center specialties as well as others such as training, ground operations, safety, and onboard crew operations. For each topic, the fundamentals and the evolution of the systems and operational methods are explained. Case studies from spaceflight missions provide the basis for lessons learned that are integrated into operational practice. This is not a course on space system design, of which there are many. The aim is to shine light on the subject of space operations, as distinct from engineering design. However, the most important lesson is perhaps that operational requirements must be considered very carefully in the design process. It is the hope of the instructors that through the process of explaining how things really work in Space and Mission Control, future missions can benefit from the experience (and mistakes) of so many pioneers that have come before.
KEY COURSE TOPICS
- Introduction to Human Spaceflight Operations
- Mission Integration and Execution
- Mission Engineering
- Space-Based Power Systems
- Environmental Control and Life Support Systems
- Command, Control and Communication
- Thermal Control
- Trajectory Design and Operations
- Guidance, Navigation, Control and Propulsion
- Extravehicular Activity
- Space Robotics
- Science and Payload Operations
- Spaceflight Medical Operations
- Mission Planning
- Mission Safety
- Spacecraft Processing and Launch Operations
- Astronaut Operations
- Detailed
course outline below
This course provides a comprehensive multi-disciplinary background for junior or senior space professionals in all aspects of spaceflight operations. In particular, it can give subsystem specialists a solid understanding and awareness of other interconnected disciplines. It is ideal for new employees trying to get up to speed with the concepts, terminology, structure and methods employed to conduct safe and successful human spaceflight missions. The advanced engineer, operator or manager will gain valuable insights from the many lessons learned.
COURSE FEES (Sign-In To Register)
- AIAA Member Price: $1495 USD
- Non-Member Price: $1795 USD
- AIAA Student Member Price: $995 USD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUTLINE
Mission Integration and Execution
- Mission Operations – The formation of a tightly integrated, efficient, and effective operational team
- Principles of Mission Control – Foundations for values, culture and teamwork
- Plan, Train, Fly – The process of flight operations
- Cultural Integration – Local, Regional, Global
- Fundamentals of Flight Operations – Case studies and lessons learned
- Human Factors
- Spaceflight Resource Management
- Team Interactions and Interdependency
- Philosophy of Failure and Redundancy Management
- Guidance for Future Mission Control Centers
- The Evolution of Mission Engineering – Mercury through Space Shuttle and ISS
- A Bridge between the Designers and Mission Control
- Assumptions, Constraints and Operational Limits
- Simplified Analysis
- Time Scales of Solution Engineering
- Levels of Awareness
- The Importance of Data
- Lessons Learned for Future Missions
- Power Systems for Spacecraft – History and evolution
- Power System Elements and Design
- Power System Architectures – ISS as most complex example to date.
- Sizing, Degradation, Operational Constraints
- Power Operations – Monitoring and system Interactions
- Malfunction Analysis and Criticality of Data
- Failure Modes and Redundancy
- Practical Examples and Case Studies
- The Evolution of Life Support Systems
- Crew Support Requirements
- Atmosphere Control and Supply
- Atmosphere Revitalization
- Fire Detection and Suppression
- Temperature and Humidity Control
- Water Recovery and Management
- Regenerative Life Support
- Failure Management and Emergencies
- The Evolution of Space Communications
- Communication Theory and Applications
- Command and Data Handling Systems and Processes
- Space Shuttle and ISS C3 Systems
- Crew Control, Monitoring and Command Interfaces
- Space C3 Lessons Learned
- The Future of C3
- The Thermal Environment of Space
- Thermal Control - Background Theory (Conduction, Convection, Radiation)
- Elements of a Spacecraft Thermal Systems – Active and Passive Thermal Devices
- Thermal Control Operations—Mission Control and On-Orbit
- Support and Interactions with Other Systems
- Failure Modes, Redundancy and Malfunction Response
- Practical Examples and Case Studies
- Trajectory Design from Gemini through Apollo and Shuttle/ISS
- Orbital Mechanics Concepts – Time systems, Coordinate systems, orbital elements, 2-body equations, perturbations, propagation methods, spacecraft attitude, maneuvers.
- Spacecraft Navigation
- Launch Windows
- Collision Avoidance
- Burn Targeting Operations
- Rendezvous Strategies
- Mission Monitoring and Analysis Tools
- Off-Nominal Scenarios
- Lessons for Future Missions
- Architecture of GNC Systems
- Development and Operations of Navigation (Position and Attitude) Sensors
- State Vector Determination
- Ascent and Entry Navigation
- Fault Detection Isolation & Recovery (FDIR)
- Powered Flight Guidance Systems - Ascent Guidance and Aborts
- Entry Guidance – Capsules vs Space Shuttle
- Spacecraft Control Systems
- Propulsive vs Gyro Attitude Control
- Control/Structure Interactions
- Manual Control Modes - Requirements for Human Rated Spacecraft
- Hand Controllers and Handling Qualities
- Propulsion Systems
- Thrusters
- Orbital Maneuvers, Attitude Maneuvers
- Propellant Gauging and Management
- Case Studies and Lessons Learned
- History and Evolution of Extravehicular Activity
- Spacesuit Systems and Design Considerations
- Airlock Operations and Pre-Breathe Protocols
- EVA Tools, Equipment, Interfaces
- EVA Training and Facilities – Neutral Buoyancy, Zero-G, Virtual Reality
- Mission EVA Development
- New Challenges for the Spacewalks of the Future – Moon & Mars
- Case Studies and Lessons Learned
- Types of Space Robotics – Probes, Landers, Manipulators
- Challenges of Space vs Terrestrial Robots
- Design of Robotic Systems – Space Shuttle and ISS Systems
- Principles of Space Manipulators
- Work envelope, singularities, joint limits, self-collision
- Reference frames
- Forward-Inverse kinematics
- Modes of Operation – Automatic, Manual
- Failure Management and Response – Redundancy and fault tolerance
- Operational Considerations and Tools – Trajectory planning
- ISS Robotic Operations – Capture, Contingency Procedures, EVA Support
- Team Coordination – Ground and crew communication
- Training and Facilities – Preflight crew and ground, onboard currency
- Lessons Learned and Future Robotic Operations
- Evolution of Payload Operations – Skylab, Spacelab, Space Shuttle and ISS
- ISS Timeline—From the Perspective of Payload Operations
- ISS - A One-of-a-Kind Research Facility
- Scope of Onboard Science - Facilities and Capabilities
- Payload Operations Integration
- Strategic, Tactical and Operational Phases
- Development, installation, operations, analysis
- Payload Operations Case Studies and Lessons Learned
- Science and Research Operations in the Future
- Astronaut Health
- Space Physiology – Launch, Microgravity, Landing
- Space Motion Sickness, Cardiovascular Effects, Musculoskeletal
- Neurovestibular, Radiation, Toxicology, Immunology, Microbiology, Nutrition
- Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS)
- Medical Aspects of Spacewalking (EVA)
- Barotrauma, Decompression Sickness
- Evolution of Pre-Breathe Protocols
- The Suit vs Astronaut – Musculoskeletal Injuries, Nutrition, Hydration, Waste
- Physiology of Return to Gravity
- Historical Medical Events
- Medical Preparedness – Biomedical Team, Crew Training, Onboard Equipment
- Landing Support
- Future Space Medicine – Altered gravity, isolation, hostile environments, radiation, and distance from Earth
- Skylab 4 Case Study – Early Lessons Learned for Mission Planning
- Elements of Mission Planning
- Team Dynamics – Systems, Priorities, Organizations, Countries
- Mission Planning Evolution from Mercury through ISS
- Mission Planning and Project Management
- Short and Long Duration Missions
- Managing Rules, Limitations and Constraints
- Plan Development Cycle
- US vs Russian Approaches to Planning
- A Day in the Life of ISS
- Mission Planning Lessons Learned
- The Future of Mission Planning
- The Columbia Accident - Case Study and Lessons Learned
- Spaceflight Safety
- Defining Safety and Risk – Causes of Accidents
- Learning from Human Spaceflight Accidents
- Responses to Perceived Risk – Continuous Risk Management
- Engineering Changes
- Revised Regulations or Rules
- Improving Human Behavior – Crew Resource Management
- Improving Organizational Structure
- Risk Analysis – Likelihood vs Consequences Risk Matrix
- Hazard Analysis and Control
- Where is Human Spaceflight Now?
- Safety Recommendations for Future Spaceflight Operations
- Evolution of the Kennedy Space Center
- Space Shuttle Ground Processing and Operations
- The Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF)
- Launch Pad Workflow
- Landing Operations
- Case Studies and Lessons Learned
- A Spaceport for the Future
- A Brief History of Astronauts from the Mercury 7 to the Present
- Spaceflight Training and Facilities – Short vs Long Duration Missions
- Dynamic Flight – Launch, Rendezvous and Entry
- Living and Working in Space – Arrival, Operations, Habitability, Crew Systems, Food
- On-Orbit Operations and Lessons Learned
- Installation, Maintenance and Repair
- Onboard Equipment and Tools
- Inventory and Stowage
- Alarms and Emergencies
- Maintaining Mental and Physical Health
- Crew Efficiency
- Lessons Learned for Future
Missions
LECTURE | DATE | TOPIC | DURATION | SPEAKER | TITLE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tuesday, May 7 | Human Spaceflight Operations Introduction | 2 hours | Dr. Greg Chamitoff | Former Astronaut, Professor, Director ASTRO Lab, Texas A&M University |
2 | Thursday, May 9 | Mission Integration and Execution | 2 hours | Zebulon Scoville | Flight Director |
3 | Tuesday, May 14 | Mission Engineering | 2.5 hours | Dr. George James | System Manager for Commercial Crew Loads and Dynamic Environments |
4 | Thursday, May 16 | Command, Control, Communications | 2.5 hours | Dan Jackson | CRONUS Flight Controller |
5 | Tuesday, May 21 | Environmental Control and Life Support Systems | 2.5 hours | Barry Tobias | ECLSS Flight Controller |
6 | Thursday, May 23 | Space-Based Power Systems | 2.5 hours | Scott Simmons | SPARTAN Flight Controller |
7 | Tuesday, May 28 | Thermal Control Systems | 2 hours | John Paul Yabraian | TCS Flight Controller |
8 | Thursday, May 30 | Space Robotics | 2 hours | Mike Ferullo | ROBOTICS Flight Controller |
9 | Tuesday, June 4 | Guidance, Navigation, Control and Propulsion | 2.5 hours | Ken Longacre | GNC/ADCO Flight Controller, Chief Engineer |
10 | Thursday, June 6 | Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) | 2 hours | Chris Mundy | EVA Systems Group Lead |
11 | Tuesday, June 11 | Trajectory Design and Operations | 2.5 hours | Dr. Aaron Brown | TOPO Flight Controller, GNC Subsystem Manager |
12 | Thursday, June 13 | Science and Payload Operations | 2 hours | Eric Melkerson | Payload Operations Director, Chief Project Engineering Branch |
13 | Tuesday, June 18 | Spaceflight Medical Operations | 2 hours | Dr. Joe Dervay | Flight Surgeon, Navy Captain, President Aerospace Medicine Association |
14 | Thursday, June 20 | Mission Planning | 2 hours | Alex Moore | OPS Planner, Visiting Vehicle Integration Management Flight Lead |
15 | Tuesday, June 25 | Mission Safety | 2 hours | David Witwer | Captain United Airlines, System Safety Engineer |
16 | Thursday, June 27 | Astronaut Operations | 2 hours | Dr. Greg Chamitoff | Former Astronaut, Professor, Director ASTRO Lab, Texas A&M University |
Classroom hours / CEUs: 35 classroom hours / 3.5 CEU/PDH
Course Delivery and Materials
- The course lectures will be delivered via Zoom. You can test your connection here:https://zoom.us/test
- Access to the Zoom classroom will be provided to registrants near to the course start date.
- All sessions will be available on-demand within 1-2 days of the lecture. Once available, you can stream the replay video anytime, 24/7.
- Includes an eBook copy of the instructors’ textbook - Human Spaceflight Operations: Lessons Learned from 60 Years in Space (AIAA, 2021).
- All slides will be available for download after each lecture. No part of these materials may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted, unless for course participants. All rights reserved.
Cancellation Policy: A refund less a $50.00 cancellation fee will be assessed for all cancellations made in writing prior to 5 days before the start of the event. After that time, no refunds will be provided.
Contact: Please contact Lisa Le or Customer Service if you have questions about the course or group discounts (for 5+ participants).